Four new cycloartane saponins from Curculigo orchioides.

ABSTRACT

Four new cycloartane-type triterpene glycosides named curculigosaponins G, H, I, and J have been isolated from rhizomes of Curculigo orchioides (Chinese Name Xiao Mao; Hypoxidaceae). Their structures were elucidated by FAB-MS, 1H-, 13C-NMR, and 2D-NMR analysis and chemical evidence. A pharmacological study showed that curculigosaponin G increased the weight of the thymus in vivo in mice.